Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position/Title: Interpreter

Department: Education

Supervisor: Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA - accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Description: Nashville Zoo is seeking a friendly and enthusiastic individual to educate and inform intergenerational audiences about our history, our animals, conservation efforts, and how they can become stewards to the environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as an on-grounds interpreter at various locations throughout the zoo, including but not limited to: Veterinary Center, Historic Croft Home and Farm, animal exhibits and other locations throughout Zoo grounds. This includes providing narration during surgical procedures and guided tours of the historic home.

• Designing and facilitate a variety of inspiring educational interactions including tours, experiences, classes, chats, etc.

• Engage with guests on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience

• Lead behind the scenes experiences and walking tours.

• Participate in interpretation and activities as a part of special events, including but not limited to: Boo at the Zoo, Zoolumination, Great Backyard Bird Count, Avian Awareness Day, Party for the Planet, World Tiger Day, and World Rhino Day

• Participate in regular training opportunities and stay up to date on Zoo related information and current interpretive best practice

• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of interpretive elements including signage, electronic displays, historic furnishings and collections, outbuildings, and farm equipment

• Serve as utility educator to teach other departmental programming when the schedule necessitates including

• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

Required Skills:

The successful candidate must have:

• Desire to work with and speak to the general public

• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo

• Ability to work well independently without direct supervision

• Excellent multitasking and time management ability

• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols

Desired Skills:

The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:

• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment

• Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting

• Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming

• Prior experience in an interpreter role

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move items up to 25 pounds

• Ability to work outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit

• Ability to move around zoo grounds for extended periods of time

Employee Requirements:

Prior to hire, the successful candidate must:

• Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen

• Provide proof of a negative TB test as a pre-requisite to handling animals

• Provide proof of a valid drivers license

Nashville Zoo offers a competitive benefit package. Compensation level for the Interpretive Coordinator is dependent on experience.

Pay Range

$15.17—$15.17 USD

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